Cowboys coach Paul Green said Macdonald would bring important
depth to the side.

"He's a North Queensland kid and we like North Queenslanders
representing this region," Green said.

"Nene is going to offer plenty of depth to our backline and had
a fantastic year for the Dragons.

"I know him on a personal level after coaching him in the under
20s at the Roosters and am confident he will be a good cultural fit
for our club as well."

Macdonald is heading north off the back of a strong season for
the Dragons, crossing for 10 tries in 23 games.

He started his career with the Roosters in 2014, playing 11
games before heading to the Titans for two and half seasons.

Macdonald has played with the Dragons for the past two seasons
but was granted a release in order to be closer to his family.

Dragons development head Ian Millward said the club granted the
request on compassionate grounds.

"Nene has been an important player over the last two seasons at
our club, and although he has one year left on his contract, his
management and himself approached the club on compassionate reasons
for a release," Millward said.

"We thought it was in the best interests welfare-wise for Nene
to grant him the release, so unfortunately he won't be with us in
2019."